Poor Poor Negros: A comment on ghetto-ism

So I wasn't going to write this particular blog-post, but I have to kill an hour of time at work until I start my next project. So if this sounds like I'm ranting or pissed off at ghetto-ass-shit then assume that is what I'm doing.

The setup:
So I'm at my favorite wine bar last week in Harlem enjoying my time as I usually do there, when an old friend (or should I say "Bar-friend") walks in and sits down with his crew of folks. After a few minutes I walk over and give the brotha some dap and sit down and chit-chat with him for a while.

The Let down:
So we chit-chat for a few and catch up on the summer happenings. We talk about the fun and not so fun times blah blah blah. So then the brotha pulls me aside and says:

Brotha at the Wine Bar: Dude, you know that Mintons has closed down right?

The Bougie Negro: Man, you gotta be lying It's historic. That's like a Harlem Landmark.

Brotha at the Wine Bar: No dude, I'm not joking. What happen is they lost their liquor license.

The Bougie Negro: Wait, how does BAR lose it's LIQUOR LICENSE? So what is it now just a big room that has landmark status on the national registry of land marks?

Brotha at the Wine Bar: Yeah. Basically.

The Bougie Negro: Dude, we spent at least 2 to 3 nights a week in there chilling with the jazz folks. Their only responsibility at BAR is the maintain a LIQUOR LICENSE. The reason the call it a BAR is because of the LIQUOR.

Brothat at the Wine Bar: I know man. Ain't that some shit?

The Bougie Negro: That some ghetto shit to be honest with you. I mean don't they have lawyers who do this as their full time job? Ain't that what your attorney is for?

So that was the main part of the conversation, well that's the part that pissed me off. I'm tired of some half-ass-ghetto-shit all the time. This is one of the true remaining Jazz spots in Harlem that actually has REAL JAZZ. Not that watered down smooth jazz that is easy to listen to by people who don't know Jazz. They were playing some real stuff and had real people playing it. The spot is still open, but now they have a COVER CHARGE and the have an uncorking and wine glass fee if you deciced to go there and BYOB.

If I had the cash I'd buy that place in a minute. It's a real piece of Harlem. I got the oook up about the spot from Grandma she used to go there when Harlem was ev-vouge. How much more authenctic can you get?

The Good News:
The night wasn't a total loss. I found out that SEVENTEEN-BELOW (new Club./Lounge Frederick Douglass BLVD & 116th Street) was having a soft-opening, so I snuck in there for a few minutes. It looks like its going to be a cool spot. (Think APT, Bungalo 8 & MARQUEE meets Harlem Ghetto Fabulous) I'm going to suggest you bring your BLACK-AMEX-CARD or get really friendly with the Bartenders cause they are gonna hit you in the pokect like a mutha fucka when come times to get your drink on, same as they do at the exclusive downtown spots. I did meet the owners and they both seem to be 100% focused on making the club a success. The club is definetly upscale, so you can say they thought about it before they started working on the spot. It will be two floors, and i'm told they will be getting A-list entertainers to feature on the live stage planned for the basement lounge. (They did mention ONE particular musician they have scheduled...I won't give his name, but he likes to wear purple and high heels...nuff said).

PS...I hope this lounge is a success so someone can finally put MOCA out of Business. Yeah I said it!!!

Peace

The Bougie Negro

...oh i'm not really familiar with The Roots...

This is from another blog I have, but I want you all to see the type of people I have been meeting lately. This is 100% true nothing has been embellished...

So i went to opening night of the National Black Fine Art Show last night and had a great time. talked to a few gallery owners, met some folks, even saw a few friends i hadn't seen in a while. then as the show was coming to a close i meet this cute black chic. we chat a while. nothing major just regular 'who are you, and what do you do' kinda talk.

the night is young, and i'm not really ready to go home yet, so i ask her to join me for a drink at this bar across the street from the art show.

long story short...we chat..have a drink and decide to share a cab home (she lives in harlem too)

anyway...here is part of our conversation.


ME: blah blah blah...what music do you listen to?

black chic i just met: Oh, i have a wide array of music that i like. i like all kinds of music. i listen to everything. I really like The Eagles.

ME: yeah thats cool. me too. i can listen to just about anything. however, i'm not a fan ot top 40 radio.

black chic i just met: yeah, i agree, the radio is boring, nothing is really creative. i'm mostly an ipod type chic

ME: thats cool, i can dig it...by the way, The Roots are doing two shows at the Apollo next week...you trying to roll with me?

black chic i just met: oh i'm not really familir with The Roots.

ME: you do realize that this is the last time I'll probably ever speak to you.

Harlem Vintage Adds Nectar Wine Bar

Someone has finally granted my wish! And they did a great job to boot. The lovely folks over at Harlem Vintage have turned-it-up-a-notch and have added NECTAR.

NECTAR, a wine bar, is a their latest venture. I have been there twice and both times I was completely impressed with their choice and knowledge of wine.

Beth, the head wine stewart is amazing and very knowledgable. Ask her any question about wine and she will know the answer.

I am so glad to see that someone finally got it right. I am looking forward to many interesting evenings with friends as we sit back, relax and enjoy Harlem's Newest Wine Bar. (Actually the ONLY wine bar in Harlem)

Congrats & Good Job! Harlem Vintage.

Can You Say $5 Mojitos & Free Tapas

Yes my friends I kid you not. There is a place, in this beautiful city that we call home, that has the audacity to feature FIVE DOLLAR MOJITOS & FREE TAPAS every Monday night until closing. And on top of that they have the nerve to have some of the sexiest mamacitas you will ever see on the Upper West Side.

Yes my friends it is true. Come to Calle Ocho any Monday night and you will see yours truly knee deep in my favorite libation, The Sparkling Mojito. Now you might say, "Bougie Negro, What is a Sparking Mojito?" Well, I'm glad you asked. A Sparkling Mojito is a regular mojito that is topped off with a healthy touch of Vueve Clicquot champagne. The mixture may seem too much for the novice Mojito drinker, but I promise you my friends once you had the Sparkling Mojito you will never be the same again.

So next time you are looking for something to do on a Monday evening, feel free to join me and the sexy mamacitas of the UWS for a few Sparkling Mojitos and the tasty tapas at Calle Ocho.

TIM the bartender is the awesomest dude on earth.

CRAVE: Ceviche Bar

Global interprestaions of a traditionally Latin American cuisine come to life at Crave Cerviche Bar. Executive Chef Todd Mitgang and business partners, Brian Owens and Dino Andreakos, intoruce a vibrant playful menu based entirelt on ceviche to Manhattans's dining scene. Inspired by the exploratory and itimate ambiance of sashimi tapas and noodle bars, Crave promises diners a novel introduction to ceviche.

Crave's approachable wine list encompasses a 45 bottle selection that focuses on classic Spanish wines but gives guests the freedom to choose between everything from friendly Chardonnays to esoteric Hondarribi Zuris. Cerveza style beer offerings include Pacifico, Sol and Dos Equis Lager; when served Mordida style (with lime juice, salt and Tabasasco) they become the ultimate spicy companion to ceviche.

Deluxe

If you’re in the mood for a friendly neighborhood restaurant that draws a great crowd, check out Deluxe restaurant. Located in Morningside Heights, just steps from Columbia University, Deluxe features a diverse menu of hearty American fare. From delectable pastas to seasonally caught fish to innovative takes on traditional entrees, Deluxe offers cuisine to suit every taste.

Employees Only

Employees Only began as an idea to create a restaurant that would be entirely owner operated and cater to others in the service industry. Using their combined previous knowledge in the field, the owners set a plan in motion to establish a speakeasy setting where restaurant industry workers could gather till the wee hours of the evening. Here they could treat themselves to quality food and drink in a vibrant and carefree atmosphere. As the concept developed, it was realized that more staff would be needed to maintain the standard of quality desired. Even though the scale of Employees Only grew, attention to detail and personalized service remain at the heart of the concept.